Actress Alyssa Milano sparked controversy when she used the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe to seek financial support for her 12-year-old son’s baseball team trip to Cooperstown, New York. Milano, known for her roles in shows like “Charmed” and “Who’s the Boss?,” has an estimated net worth of around $10 million, while her husband, talent agent Dave Bugliari, adds to their wealth with an estimated $5 million.
The GoFundMe campaign requested $10,000 for travel expenses, uniforms, dues for families, and novelty items for the trip. This move prompted criticism on social media, with many considering it tone-deaf and highlighting the disconnect between a wealthy celebrity seeking financial support alongside people facing genuine hardships.
Critics argued that Milano, with her substantial net worth, could easily cover the expenses without resorting to crowdfunding. The online backlash led to the hashtag #AlyssaMilano trending on social media, with users pointing out the perceived hypocrisy of her request.
In response to the controversy, Milano defended her actions on Twitter, stating that she had already paid for uniforms for the entire team and coaches, sponsored kids who couldn’t afford monthly dues, and supported various fundraising efforts organized by the kids themselves.
The incident reignited discussions about the appropriateness of wealthy individuals utilizing crowdfunding platforms for non-essential expenses, particularly when there are users facing genuine financial hardships seeking assistance on the same platforms.
